“There was a lot going on in the game and it’s one of those situations where you have to stay calm,” he said. “You can’t worry if somebody’s grabbing you. You’ve got to keep your cool.”

Defensive penalties hurt the Panthers early in the game, allowing Green Bay to build an insurmountable lead.

With Green Bay facing a third-on-12 on its opening possession, defensive end Wes Horton and linebacker Luke Kuechly jumped offsides on consecutive plays. The flag on Kuechly nullified a Roman Harper interception and put the Packers in a third-and-2 situation.

Rodgers scrambled 3 yards for the first down, then hit Jordy Nelson for a 59-yard touchdown strike on the next play to start the Packers’ scoring.

On the Packers’ second drive, Green Bay converted a third-and-3 when the Panthers were whistled for having too many men on the field. Defensive tackle Star Lotulelei didn’t get to the sideline before Rodgers’ snap as the Packers ran their hurry-up offense.

With the Packers up 14-0, DeCoud was flagged for helmet-to-helmet contact after hitting receiver Randall Cobb after a 14-yard reception. DeCoud said he thought he led with his shoulder.

Two plays later, James Starks danced in for a 13-yard touchdown run to put the Packers up 21-0 and the rout was on.

“We shot ourselves in the foot ... several times,” DeCoud said.

Despite the loss, the Panthers maintained their lead in the weak NFC South. New Orleans (2-4) and Atlanta (2-5) also lost Sunday, and Tampa Bay (1-5) had a bye.